One of the best parts of traveling to Aruba is the cuisine. Our island offers a diverse selection of food influenced by our national history, geographic location, and natural resources. This blend of cultures converges at our local restaurants, where you can find a wide variety of fresh and delicious Aruban food inspired by our Indigenous, Dutch, and African roots. To get you acquainted with the local food scene, Blue Aruba Rentals has put together a list of popular traditional foods. From the national dish, Keshi Yena, to the popular snack Pastechi, here are five Aruban specialties you won’t want to miss:
Keshi Yena
No getaway to Aruba is complete without sampling our national dish–Keshi Yena, a stuffed ball of cheese filled with chicken, tomatoes, green olives, and spices.
Where to Get Keshi Yena: Taste my Aruba, The Old Cuncu House Aruba, West Deck, Gasparito Traditional Aruban Restaurant.
Patacon
Originating in Latin America, Patacon is a delicious sandwich made with two slices of fried green plantains and filled with shredded meat, cheese, and salsa.
Where to Get Patacon: Tia Rosa Snack, Don Jacinto
Dutch Pancakes
Dutch pancakes are from—well, you guessed it–the Netherlands. These thin pancakes resemble crepes and can be made sweet or savory.
Where to Get Dutch Pancakes: The Dutch Pancakehouse, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, Diana’s Pancakes Place.
Pastechi
Pastechi is a popular Aruban snack made from deep-fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood.
Where to Get Pastechi: The Pastechi House, Huchada Bakery, Bright Bakery
Stobas
Stobas is a traditional Aruban stew made by marinating chunks of beef, goat, or fish in a tomato-based sauce with veggies and spices. Pair your stew with some fresh Pan Bati– an Aruban flatbread made with corn and wheat flour.
Where to Get Stobas: Papiamento, The West Deck, Cocoplum
Discover More Aruba Dining Options Near Your Vacation Rental
Discover even more Aruban food during your getaway with Blue Aruba Rentals at the restaurants near our rental properties. Stay at our Harbour House properties and enjoy a meal of Peruvian cuisine at Lima Bistro, Indonesian cuisine at NUSA Restaurant, fresh seafood at SharQys, and fine dining at Ever Restaurant.
Stay at Blue Residences and experience fine dining at the award-winning Infini Restaurant. Or choose our Oceania Residences and easily access dozens of restaurants along Eagle Beach. No matter what you are craving, dozens of restaurants are available at your fingertips!
